Press Conference «Neftekhimik – Ak Bars» 2/18/2025
18.02.2025
Neftekhimik Head Coach Oleg Leontyev speaks with the media after a following 3–2 win over Ak Bars.
– Our players did a great job, they won a hard–battled game.They showed their best qualities in the crosstown–rivalry. The players blocked shots, created chances, and deservedly won. Although the opponent is famous and serious. It is difficult to play against such a high-status team that has other goals. Thanks to the fans who supported us. They were heard. And so, the race continues, we will rest a little and move on.
– Today you started the game actively. Were you not afraid of a counterattack?
– If you are afraid of wolves, don't go to the forest. So what should we be afraid of? Despite the opponent, we must focus on our game and prepare for each fight.
– The fight for the playoffs continues. There are games with direct competitors ahead. How do you assess your chances of getting into the top eight?
– I am not going to guess what will happen. Therefore, we are preparing systematically, step by step. It is hard to say what will happen. But we will make every effort and effort to bring our goal even closer.
– Today you started the game actively. Were you not afraid of a counterattack?
– If you are afraid of wolves, don't go to the forest. So what should we be afraid of? Despite the opponent, we must focus on our game and prepare for each fight.
– The fight for the playoffs continues. There are games with direct competitors ahead. How do you assess your chances of getting into the top eight?
– I am not going to guess what will happen. Therefore, we are preparing systematically, step by step. It is hard to say what will happen. But we will make every effort and effort to bring our goal even closer.
Ak Bars Head Coach Anvar Gitiyatullin:
– It was a bright match, where we saw a lot of attacks, fighting and emotions. For the first time this season, we are losing the fourth match in a row. There are some good things – we got back what we lost after the break. For example, speed and pressure. We started to put pressure in the opponent's zone again. But, unfortunately, at the beginning of the match we gave the opponent a head start. Then we took a timeout and explained what we needed to do. The game more or less evened out, but, apparently, it was not enough. Thanks to the fans for their support.
